RYA Day Skipper in the Canaries
The RYA Day Skipper Practical is a six day course which is designed to teach students to assume full responsibility for the yacht and its crew.
On the Day Skipper course students will skipper the yacht on short passages in the Canaries with much emphasis on boat handling and navigation. A full safety briefing is given before the yacht sails.
You will visit different harbours and anchorages to practice pilotage techniques. The course aims to provide you with the skill and confidence required to plan and undertake a short passage in tidal waters as the skipper and be able to berth the boat safely. Man overboard recovery techniques will also be practised with a dummy, such as a fender tied to a mooring line, substituting for the real thing. The instructor will debrief students after each exercise or passage.
The course will start with a get to know your crew and complementary drinks on Saturday evening. It will finish about 4 pm on the Friday, after boat cleaning and individual debriefings. You will depart 'Merlin' by 10:00 Saturday for your return trip home or perhaps to continue your holiday in Tenerife.
Cabin Prices
| Single person (cabin sharing) | €900 |
| Two persons (cabin sharing) | €1700 |
RYA Day Skipper
If you know when you want to take a RYA Day Skipper course, give us a buzz and we will endeavour to fulfill your chosen time.Book now +353 (0)27 29101
RYA Day Skipper
To book the exclusive use of our Hallberg-Rassy 'Merlin' for a RYA Day Skipper course for family or as a group of friends let us know your dates and we will endeavour to accommodate your request.Call us now +353 (0)27 29101
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Course Duration One week (Saturday to Saturday) Previous Experience 5 days, 100 NM, 4 night hours aboard a sailing yacht. Assumed Knowledge Basic navigation and sailing ability. Ideally you will have attended the shore based RYA day skipper theory course or have a good understanding of the following: Tidal heights, tidal streams, compass variation, Course to Steer, passage planning, compass bearings, clearing bearings, 3 position fixes and knots. A basic understanding of lights and shapes. Course Content Preparing the yacht and crew, pilotage, navigation, seamanship and boat handling including sailing to a buoy/anchor and mooring alongside. Experience Gained Can skipper a small yacht in familiar waters by day. Consider building on these skills before the next qualification steps. -
The Yacht
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Basic knowledge of nautical terms, parts of a yacht, rigging and sails.
Ropework
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Ability to tie the following knots:
- figure of eight
- round turn and two half hitches
- bowline
Underway
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Has experienced sailing a yacht on all points of sail.
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Can steer a yacht under sail or power.
Rules of the Road
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Can keep an efficient look out at sea.
Meteorology
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Knows where to obtain a weather forecast.
Man Overboard (MOB) Recovery
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Understands the action to be taken to recover a MOB.
Clothing and Equipment
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Understands and complies with the rules for the wearing of safety harnesses’.
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Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids.
Emergency Equipment and Precautions
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Is aware of hazards on board a yacht.
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Knows the action to be taken in the event of an emergency.
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NOTE: Sailing itinerary is weather permitting and we reserve the right to change the destinations and order for your safety.
Day 1 - Saturday
You will be met at the marina by your skipper. There will be welcome drinks on board to meet your fellow sailing crew and we will advise the best restaurants for you to try.
Day 2 - Sunday
After the initial safety briefing, you will learn the ropes, be shown how to prepare the boat for departure and almost always be taken out for an introductory sail in the “WAZ” (Wind Acceleration Zone) just a short distance off the coast from the marina. This is to help you feel comfortable and (for some of you) familiar with your new surroundings on board.
Day 3 - Monday
Instruction on boat handling in and around the marina before making the first short passage normally through the Wind Zone (ensuring you will sail!) to explore the coast Tenerife.
Day 4/5/6 - Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
The schedule for these days will depend on crew development, the level you are working at and the winds. We aim to sail to San Sebastian on La Gomera on a route that takes us through two WAZ Zones thus almost ensuring you of great sailing in superb conditions on all points of sail. The WAZ zone situated between La Gomera and Tenerife provides us with ideal training conditions for sailing exercises during the following day. We normally end up in Marina Los Gigantes situated on the northwest of Tenerife. Here you will be ready to relax maybe in one of the many bars before heading off for dinner in one of the equally many restaurants available. The highlight of your week - The Night Sail to Marina San Miguel on the south coast of Tenerife!
Day 7 - Friday
Further sailing, anchoring and general boat handling we finish back at our base on Friday afternoon where we begin the de-briefing, cleanup and issuing of your certificates. Finally the course ends at about 4 pm after which you may wish to freshen up in preparation for drinks followed by dinner together with the rest of the crew and instructor - a popular event which can all too often find us night capping till late! Remember - your accommodation after the course on the Friday night is also included!
Day 8 - Saturday
Depart 'Merlin' at 10:00 by the latest for your return trip home or perhaps to continue your holiday in Tenerife.
Included in your course
- RYA qualified instructor/skipper
- 7 nights accommodation on 'Merlin'
- Fresh sheets, duvets, pillows and towels
- Breakfast and lunch with coffee and tea
- Safety gear including auto life jacket and safety harness
- Marina fees and diesel
- Welcome drinks on arrival
Next Step: After completing the Day Skipper course it is really important to consolidate what you have learnt by completing some more sea miles. This could be achieved by joining us for a Canary Islands Cruise or take a Day Skipper Plus course. Following this you should look to join the RYA Yachtmaster Theory or complete a Short Ocean Passage and really put those skills into practice.
Prices exclude:
- Flights & transfers.
- Meals and drink ashore.
- Travel and Medical Insurance.
- Wet weather gear (rarely needed in the Canaries!)
